There’s something good here . . . Sulphur Springs lost a good one this week. Johnie Hardgrave died at home Thursday morning after a brief illness. As most of you know, he was with Echo Publishing for over 30 years. I had the honor of working with Johnie for four years before his retirement. He was funny, sweet and loved all the fine arts. We had numerous conversations about American Idol, movies and books.

No matter how hairy things got at deadline, Johnie was always on an even keel. I never once heard him raise his voice, not even when I dropped an important ad. The world was a better place with him in it. He showed up unannounced at the office a while back. Everyone came running to give him a hug when they heard his voice. I think we realized how much we had missed his sweet smile and gentle demeanor. We will miss him even more now.

There’s something good here . . . Hopkins County’s Relay for Life is an annual event created to raise cancer awareness and funds to support cancer research. They’re moving to the square this year. Drop by tonight and show your support. It’s a good thing.

There’s something good here . . . The Community Players will present “18 Nervous Gumshoes” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 17 and 18 at Main Street Theater. Tickets are $10. Call 903-885-0107 or visit www.mainsttheater.com for reservations, which are recommended.

There’s something good here . . . I’ve been working at Echo Publishing for almost seven years and am continually amazed at how Hopkins County comes together when someone is in need. Look at all the fundraisers held recently for cancer victims and children battling serious illness. A community is judged by how it serves and this county’s communities are top shelf!

There’s something good here . . . Take time to read Faith Huffman’s stories on local and area valedictorians and salutatorians. These kids are committed, hard-working, focused and intelligent. But underneath their accomplishments, it seems they are super nice people, which will serve them well in the years to come.

There’s something good here . . . Country rocker Stoney LaRue is coming to Music City Texas June 1 and we have two tickets to give away. We’re adding a delicious dinner at Liefie’s le Vine in Winnsboro prior to the show. Details to be announced next week. In the meantime, check out our Facebook page for a chance to win dinner for two at Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard near Pittsburg and tickets to see Jo-El Sonnier May 25. Winner will be announced Thursday, May 23.